China Has Surged Ahead in Nuclear Energy Production

By Kodiak Halpern

March 12, 2025

With China's energy needs growing and their commitment to being carbon neutral by 2060, they have started looking for ways to be more efficient and self-reliant. Additionally, with major cities in China being known for their air pollution due partially to coal power plants, they have identified nuclear energy as a way to improve all three issues at once. As a result, the Chinese government prioritizes nuclear energy development as part of its long-term economic and energy strategy. State-owned companies receive substantial funding and policy support, enabling rapid expansion and innovation.

Incredible Growth Levels

• While overall, China has the third most powerplants of any country, they are currently building over 30 new ones, three times as many as any other country’s production level.

• Unlike most countries, China has access to the resources and the manufacturing equipment to build these reactors, reducing limiting factors that slow production for other countries.

• China is developing and deploying next-generation nuclear technologies, such as:

  • Hualong One (HPR1000): A domestically developed third-generation reactor with improved safety and efficiency.

  • Molten Salt Reactors and Thorium Reactors: Experimental designs with potential for safer and more efficient nuclear power.

  • Fast Breeder Reactors: To enhance fuel efficiency and reduce nuclear waste.

China’s Future Energy Needs

While energy consumption per capita is lower in China than in the U.S., their population size requires them to produce twice as much electricity as the U.S. every year. With China investing in AI, that need will only continue to grow. AI consumes around 500 terawatt-hours per year in the U.S., forcing the U.S. to open power plants quickly. Similar actions can be expected to be used by China, but since their economy is already being built to handle the production of nuclear reactors, this growth will come quicker and be more efficient.

A New Global Export

China aims to become a global leader in nuclear technology exports by advancing its nuclear capabilities. It is already building reactors in other countries, boosting its geopolitical influence. Unlike in some Western countries, China faces relatively less public opposition and regulatory hurdles, enabling faster project approvals and development. When other countries realize nuclear energy is the only way forward, China will be poised to capitalize on foreign energy needs.

For more information, watch Hank Green's video on nuclear energy around the world today:

If you want more information, Hank Green has made a video about nuclear energy that also covers China's growth. Start watching at 6:00 for the Chinese nuclear energy portion of the video.